BLHS wrestlers welcome new coach

Ed Seaton is the new coach of the Basehor-Linwood wrestling team, and he said it has been a whirlwind first week on the job.

Seemingly, each day there is more paperwork to fill out. He is learning what skills each wrestler possesses and also what they need to learn.

Monday was his sixth practice as the team’s coach, and said the team is working hard.

After the first week, he has found a groove with the help of assistant coach Ryan Heffle. BLHS strength coach Ross Schwisow and athletics director Joe Keeler also have helped out.

“We picked it up a little tonight. Everyone is working hard and looking forward to next week,” Seaton said after practice Monday.

After two weeks of practice, Basehor-Linwood will open its season with a dual meet against Bonner Springs and Piper at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at BSHS. Basehor-Linwood also will compete in the Kaw Valley League Dual Tournament Saturday, Dec. 5, at Turner High School.

“Yeah, we are just kind of going with it. Practice is scheduled every day,” Seaton said. “With wrestling, it is a lot of drilling. We are trying to throw in different conditioning drills and technique drills, so they don’t get bored. I am trying to keep it fun for them; That is what I am trying to do.”

Seaton isn’t exactly a stranger to the BLHS wrestling program. He has watched the team compete the past few years because his son, Symon, competes for the Bobcats. Symon Seaton is a junior and a two-time state qualifier in Class 4A.

In addition, junior Mike Torrez is returning as a state qualifier from last season along senior Joe Johnson. All of them have a goal of winning matches at the state tournament and hopefully bringing home medals.

Being a new coach, Seaton said he is just getting down names and learning what type of talent each of his 17 wrestlers possesses.

Of the wrestlers who didn’t qualify for state last season, Chandler King, Tyler Simpson, Derek Pike and Antonio Ferro are some of the other top returners.

Simpson wrestled at regionals last season and missed qualifying for state by a single match.